Learning Aquaponics

You may be wondering, how can I get started? What do I need to know to be successful?

Without being able to physical show you the basic fundamentals, and signs to watch for, we have outlined a number of requirements, that make up a successfull system. Please visit our Basic Rules page.

NW Tilapia has been a leader in aquaponics development for the northwest and beyond. We advise anyone looking to get involved in aquaponics, to see first hand, the system and dynamics involved.

NW Tilapia maintains a backyard aquaponics system, as well as a semi-commercial aquaponics facility. We offer an intermediate level class, which covers all of the basic fundamentals of aquaponics, as well as Tilapia health, maintaining proper water conditions, aquaponic system designs, aquaponic nutrient additives (safe for plants and fish), plant health requirements, and other important aspects of successfully maintaining an aquaponics system, with the use of Tilapia. We will also discuss most of the false information being propagated on the internet, and get you going in the right direction. There is usually time to discuss your personal ambitions and ideas, and get a professional opinion on any ideas you may have. The 2 hour class is dedicated to you and 1 other adult, should you wish. The cost is $120. Contact us for group rates. It is money well-spent, considering how many mistakes it will save you from making.

We offer an advanced class, which covers all the talking points of the intermediate class and includes Tilapia breeding and hatchery setup and management. The cost is $250. Up to 2 adults may attend.

Intermediate Class Talking points

System design and management

Components

Solids Separation

Bio-filtration

The Importance of Biofiltration

Moving Bed

Static

Aeration

Effects of under and over-aeration

Heating requirements

Heating Methods and Design

Solar

Boiler

Circulation Pumps

Heat Exchangers

Thermostat Controls

Optional Components

Degassing

UV Sterilizers

Construction Techniques

Wood and Pond Liner

Plastic Tanks

IBC Totes

System design and management -- Plant Production

Raft System

Flood and Drain

NFT

Tilapia Care

Fingerling Tanks

Stocking Rates

Feeding, growth and survival

Fish health

Disease management

Stress Management

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Carbon Dioxide

Bacteria, parasites

Plant Production

Seedling production

Importance of pest identification

Insect control

Aphid

White Fly

Disease Control

Root Zone Control

Foliar Control

Nutrient dynamics

Nitrate and Potassium Balance

Micronutrients

PH Requirements

Economics and Marketing

Aquaponics economics

Advanced Class Talking Points (in addition to the above topics)

Fish production

Tilapia Sexing

Breeder Management

Feeding

Fry Harvesting

Tank Design

Hatchery

Fry Hatching

Fingerling Tanks

Feeding, growth and survival

Fish health

Disease management

Stress Management

Bacteria, parasites

Heating requirements

Breeding

Hatching

If you are interested in scheduling a class with us, please contact us and let us know what days you may be available to attend. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule, however, the times that work best for us is Monday-Friday, with the classes beginning at 3pm (intermediate classes only). Saturdays can be scheduled for intermediate or advanced classes. We are closed on Sundays.